A critical finding in developmental psychology is that corporal punishment can easily escalate. A "small" punishment can quickly turn into abuse when a parent is frustrated or angry. The notes that while some jurisdictions may still have nuances in law regarding "reasonable punishment," any action leaving a mark, bruise, or scratch can cross the line into illegal assault 5.5. Alternatives to Spanking
Research has shown that corporal punishment can have several negative effects on children. Physically, it can lead to injuries ranging from minor to severe. Psychologically, it has been linked to increased aggression, antisocial behavior, mental health problems, and a damaged parent-child relationship. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and other child health organizations worldwide have stated that corporal punishment is ineffective in the long term and can do more harm than good. A critical finding in developmental psychology is that